The Mental Wellbeing Resources Guide comprises of services and supports that are available to people with vision loss. It provides a list of resources for both crisis and voluntary support.
The guide contains resources from organisations associated with eye care service delivery and low vision rehabilitation. Also included are supports and services from the mainstream mental health services. Although they are not specifically tailored for vision loss, it provides an alternative avenue for people.
This directory further supports the Adult Referral Pathway for Blindness and Low Vision Services developed by Vision 2020 Australia.
In the event of an emergency requiring urgent care, CALL 000.
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided within this directory is intended for information purposes only. The content of this directory is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The services and resources listed in this directory are not exhaustive and were available at time of compilation. This publication contains links to external websites that Vision 2020 Australia has no direct control over. It is the responsibility of users to make own decisions about information contained on linked websites.
HEAD TO HEALTH
Communication materials
Download or request printed communication materials to promote mental health support via Head to Health.
Online access.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
Mental health conditions and disorders
Information about anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma and stressor-related disorders.
Online access.
Suitable for anyone.
No cost.
BEYOND BLUE
Anxiety facts
Online access.
Suitable for anyone.
No cost.
Depression facts
Online access.
Suitable for anyone.
No cost.
Wellbeing
Tips and strategies to maintain wellbeing.
Online access.
Suitable for anyone.
No cost.
Supporting someone
Tips on how to support family or friend with depressive symptoms.
Online access.
Suitable for anyone.
No cost.
MACULAR DISEASE FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA
Wellbeing
Webpage about mental health, including video with tips to manage wellbeing.
Online access.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
LIFELINE
Podcast – Holding onto Hope
A podcast series by Lifeline that provides listeners with personal lived-experience to offer inspiration and support to others. The series was previously aired by Vision Australia Radio to help raise awareness on mental health and wellbeing.
Online access.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE
Depression
Free, 11-module, self-paced program. Based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Appropriate for anyone experiencing low mood, with strategies to improve mood.
Online access.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Free, 12-module, self-paced program based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Appropriate for those experiencing anxiety and worry.
Online access.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
THIS WAY UP
Digital mental health treatment
Range of self-paced online programs based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, that teach clinically-proven strategies to improve wellbeing. NFP joint initiative of St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and University of NSW.
Online access.
Suitable for adults and carers.
Wellbeing programs are free. Treatment programs cost $59 for 90 days of access OR are free if prescribed by a health professional who is registered with This Way Up.
MIND SPOT ASSESSMENT
Assessment
Free and confidential with immediate results to learn more about symptoms and access clinically-proven treatment options.
Online access.
Suitable for adults and carers.
No cost.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide Dogs Victoria Catch Up Online Platform
Online social discussions, resources and news.
Online access.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
Guide Dogs NSW Connection Service and Chatter Paws
Various programs for connecting with peers with a similar experience and stories, including Chatter Paws, a group chat of six people led by client volunteers.
Online and phone access (1800 484 333).
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
HEADSPACE
Community Group Chat sessions
One hour online sessions led by a mental health professional and member of the Youth National Reference Group.
Online access
Suitable for children, young adults and carers.
No cost.
SANE AUSTRALIA
Community Discussion Forums
Opportunity to connect with people to share experiences. Moderated by health professionals and available 24/7.
Online access.
Suitable for adults and carers.
No cost.
MACULAR DISEASE FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA
‘Mac Mates’ Phone Support
Mac Mates can connect anyone living with macular disease with an experienced volunteer to share stories, experiences, advice and guidance over the phone or via video chat. You can chat as often as you like, and we are even looking to expand the program so people can meet face-to-face.
Online access and telephone service (1800 111 709).
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
Eye Connect Support Groups
Eye Connect is a great way for people living with macular disease to connect in a group setting and discuss their experiences living with the disease. Groups usually meet bi-monthly, in person or online, and discuss different topics at each meeting. We also invite guest speakers to provide expert advice and guidance on topics relevant to attendees.
Online and face-to-face support.
Suitable for adults and carers.
No cost.
GLAUCOMA AUSTRALIA
National Support Group
Facebook support group to connect with others who know and understand what you are going through. The group is moderated by Glaucoma Australia’s orthoptist educator who is available to answer your questions.
Online access.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
Congenital Support Group
Facebook support group for families with young children as well as adults who were born with congenital glaucoma. Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you have been living with congenital glaucoma all your life, this group is very supportive and here for you.
Online access.
Suitable for children, young adults and adults.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide Dogs Victoria Young Adults Program
Designed for young adults aged 18-35 to enhance independent mobility.
Face-to-face service.
Suitable for children and young adults.
Contact Guide Dogs Victoria for any cost information.
Guide Dogs Victoria Connection Service: Community and Peer Groups
Opportunities to meet other people with low vision and blindness since birth.
Online and face-to-face service.
Suitable for anyone.
No cost.
Guide Dogs NSW Young Adults Program
Social group to connect to others and share experiences. Occur every two months, Sydney CBD location.
Face-to-face service.
Suitable for adults aged 18 to 30.
Contact Guide Dogs NSW for any cost information.
Guide Dogs NSW Peer Support Program
A peer mentor with the aim to set a goal and discuss how to achieve. Delivered over five phone calls.
Telephone service (1800 484 333).
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
Guide Dogs Qld Support for Carers
Dedicated instructors to support carers.
Face-to-face and telephone support (07 3500 9001).
Suitable for carers.
Contact Guide Dogs QLD for any cost information.
KERATOCONUS AUSTRALIA
Support Line
Provides information, support and advice for keratoconus sufferers and their families.
Online and face-to-face service.
Suitable for children, young people and carers.
No cost.
RETINA AUSTRALIA
Peer Support Groups
Online and face-to-face support groups for people living with inherited retinal diseases.
Online and face-to-face support.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
SEE DIFFERENTLY
Peer Support
Trained peer supporters are matched to clients and support is provided for between one to three phone calls.
Telephone service (1300 944 306)
Suitable for adults and carers.
No cost for clients of the See Differently Low Vision Centre.
VISION AUSTRALIA
Community Groups
Social support and outings to share interest in each state.
Face-to-face support.
Suitable for adults.
Contact Vision Australia for any cost information.
Peer Support Program
The Peer Support Program provides one-on-one telephone support to people who request to talk to someone who is blind or has low vision about coping with vision loss. The service is available for people across all life stages, including parents and carers who would like to speak to other parents and carers. You would be matched to a trained volunteer with similar characteristics.
Telephone service (1300 847 466).
Suitable for anyone, including parents and carers.
Contact Vision Australia for any cost information.
Quality Living Program
Peer support either one-on-one or by joining a group. An eight week course over 2.5 hours per week. Includes group for young adults.
Face-to-face and telephone support.
Suitable for young adults and adults.
Contact Vision Australia for any cost information.
Telelink
Virtual social program to discuss different topics such as current affairs.
Online and telephone support.
Suitable for adults and carers.
Contact Vision Australia for any cost information.
SEE DIFFERENTLY (Royal Society for the Blind)
Counselling
Specially trained counsellors to provide awareness of functional and emotional impact of vision loss.
Online and telephone support (1300 944 306).
Suitable for children, young adults, adults and carers.
Contact See Differently for cost information.
GUIDE DOGS QLD
Counselling
One-on-one counselling sessions.
Face-to-face and telephone support (07 3500 9001).
Suitable for adults.
Contact Guide Dogs QLD for cost information.
BEYOND BLUE
Live Chat
Available 24/7 via online and telephone. Short-term counselling, information, referral for depression and anxiety.
Online and telephone support (1300 224 636).
Suitable for adults and carers.
No cost.
HEADSPACE
Live chat
Private chat with professional counsellor. Available seven days a week from 9am-1am AEST.
Online and telephone support (1800 650 890).
Suitable for young adults.
No cost.
SANE AUSTRALIA
One-on-one counselling
Support for people with complex mental health issues. Counsellors available 10am- 10pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
Online and telephone support (1800 187 263).
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
CANDO 4 KIDS
Psychology service
Individual therapy, educational assessment, mental health assessment, acceptance and commitment therapy, solutions focused therapy.
Online and telephone support (08 8100 8200).
Suitable for children, young adults, parents and carers
Contact CanDo 4 kids for cost information.
KIDS HELPLINE
Counselling
Counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Available 24/7.
Online and telephone support (1800 55 1800).
Suitable for children, young adults, parents and carers.
No cost.
VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL HEALTH SERVICES (VAHS)
Family Counselling Service
Culturally safe emotional and mental wellbeing counselling. Four programs available: Adult social emotional wellbeing, Koori Kids, Financial Wellbeing, Ice Pilot Program.
Face-to-face support.
Culturally appropriate services.
Suitable for children, young adults, adults, parents and carers.
No cost.
LIFELINE
Crisis Chat
24/7 assistance during crisis when overwhelmed or have suicidal thoughts.
Online and telephone support (13 11 14).
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
SUICIDE CALL BACK SERVICE
Crisis counselling service
Australia-wide free service for people having suicidal thoughts, family or friends affected by suicide.
Telephone support (1300 659 467).
Suitable for adults and carers.
No cost.
SUICIDE LINE VICTORIA
Crisis counselling service
Free professional telephone counselling support 24/7.
Online and telephone support (1300 651 251).
Suitable for adults and carers.
No cost.
REFERRAL TO GP
Mental health treatment plan
Mental Health Assessment to determine the needs of the patient and develop a subsidised Mental Care Treatment Plan.
Online, face-to-face and telephone support.
Suitable for anyone.
Costs are determined by the individual treating doctor and referral mental health practitioner.
MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE
Therapist Assisted Program
Free sessions with a therapist over 12-week support via weekly emails and up to four live sessions via video to deliver a tailored program.
Online support.
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
VISABILITY (WA)
Psychology services
Psychologists who support emotional wellbeing and mental health of people with vision impairment. Registered with Psychology Board of Australia.
GP referral required.
Face-to-face support.
Suitable for adults and carers.
Contact VisAbility for cost information.
DAVINA LEFROY (WA)
Psychology services
Davina is a clinical psychologist who is legally blind and has an interest in children to assist to manage disability and vision loss.
Online and face-to-face-support.
Suitable for children, young adults, parents and carers.
Mental Health Care Plan referrals accepted. You can contact Davina Lefroy directly for alternative referral pathways and associated fees.
DR BONNIE STURROCK (VIC)
Psychology services
Clinical psychologist with an interest in people with low vision. Member of Australian Psychological Society.
GP referral required.
Online and face-to-face support.
Suitable for adults.
$270 for a 50 minute consultation. Medicare rebate is available.
MINDSPOT
Teletherapy
Up to four free sessions with a therapist either weekly or fortnightly.
Telephone support (after online assessment).
Suitable for adults.
No cost.
MOOD ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA
Mood Assessment Program
Computerised software program for clinical assessment of depression. Referral required from healthcare practitioner.
Online support.
Suitable for anyone.
Cost of consultation with a referring practitioner, if applicable.
HEAD TO HEALTH
Adult Mental Health Centres
Australian Government initiative to establish community mental health services network. Skilled mental health professional connects to best service based on needs. No GP referral or appointment required.
Online and face-to-face support.
Suitable for adults and carers.
No cost.
ACUTE COMMUNITY INTERVENTION SERVICE (ACIS) (Victoria)
Intervention service
This service provides urgent advice, referral and treatment to people with mental illness who are acutely ill or in crisis. It is available 24/7 and can be requested by police, ambulance or members of the public.
Telephone service.
Suitable for anyone.
No cost.